Pachysandra vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Pachysandra

Pachysandra terminalis

Buxaceae · groundcovers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Pachysandra (Zones 4-8)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Pachysandra	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Pachysandra terminalis	Sedum spp.
Family	Buxaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	groundcovers	groundcovers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Acidic	Well-drained, Poor
Height	8"	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Japan	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Pachysandra

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Pachysandra

✓Space 6-12 inches apart for coverage in 2-3 years.
✓Keep moist while establishing.
✓Susceptible to leaf blight in humid conditions — improve air circulation.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Pachysandra if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View PachysandraProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Pachysandra grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Pachysandra needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Pachysandra or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Pachysandra grows taller at 8" compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Pachysandra spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Pachysandra or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Pachysandra	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Pachysandra terminalis	Sedum spp.
Family	Buxaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	groundcovers	groundcovers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Acidic	Well-drained, Poor
Height	8"	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Japan	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Pachysandra

✓Space 6-12 inches apart for coverage in 2-3 years.
✓Keep moist while establishing.
✓Susceptible to leaf blight in humid conditions — improve air circulation.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Pachysandra if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Pachysandra grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Pachysandra needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Pachysandra or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Pachysandra grows taller at 8" compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Pachysandra spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Pachysandra or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Pachysandra and Sedum (Stonecrop) have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.